Indeed, Shinsekai yori has exceeded my expectations of what I thought would be a typical anime with a fairly sensible plot and it has also lead me to believe that it is the epitome of intelligent animes.
I've said this before but my bases for rating anime are rather special and not commonly used, as these are my personal and subjective criteria.
1. ARTISTRY: 10/10
"Artistry is the quality that appeals to one's sense of beauty."
Artistry is an important quality in an anime. It determines the first impression. If the animation looks ugly and it does not appeal to the audience's eye, they would develop a bad impression of the anime and they wouldn't be fond of it. However, if the art, sound, and other elements that pertain to artistry are realized and shown in a nice way, a good impression is bound to develop and the audience would enjoy the anime.
It would be absurd if I would say that this anime, Shinsekai yori, didn't accomplish this. The animation itself is exquisite, not to mention the development of each character. If you compare this anime to all the other anime, you would and should realize that the plot, the character development, the animation, more or less everything are unique. It's not the typical elements you see nowadays, like a maiden in search for true love, a moe character that's very shy, or a tsundere in that matter. Each and every character had an exclusive personality and all of them played a specific role and their part.
The soundtracks as well were nice but not many songs were utilized. Well, I guess it's part of making the show appear not with a playful mood but a rather solemn and serious one. Nevertheless, the soundtracks that were used, especially the ending theme songs, are impressive.
2. INTELLECTUAL VALUE: 10/10
"Intellectual value refers to the anime stimulating thought. It enriches our mental life by making us realize fundamental truths about life and human nature."
This is the strongest focal point shown in Shinsekai yori. The way the plot was laid out and the essence of the plot itself is what magnifies this aspect.
Shinsekai yori, as I reiterated earlier, has got to be the most intelligent anime I've watched. The way the plot was set up and laid out, basing its setting on a very futuristic time and utopia, it's very interesting to see how the makers of this anime perceived what the future would look like after a hundred years or so. I just can't help to think that such a fictional story could seem so realistic in nature.
3. SUGGESTIVENESS: 9/10
"Suggestiveness is the quality associated with the emotional power shown and experienced by the audience."
Suggestiveness is a very important element in composing a good anime. The power of emotion always drives us to our conclusions as whether it is nice or not so utilizing suggestiveness of emotions is the best way to guarantee a good remark from the audience.
Undoubtedly, Shinsekai yori did a good job in keeping our moods intact. Many scenes demonstrated various moods. Happy moods, sad moods, nostalgic, melancholic, chaotic, everything. I don't plan to specify a specific scene, as I do not want to give spoilers for those who are reading this review before watching the anime.
Most of the time, though, it seems that they're overusing the dilemma situations on Watanabe Saki, creating a suspense-filled mood. Nevertheless, those were all portrayed nicely but I guess that's a point they can improve on.
4. SPIRITUAL VALUE: 10/10
"Spiritual value is the quality wherein which the show elevates the spirit by bringing out moral values which make us better persons."
"The power of imagination is what changes everything."
That one statement determines that this anime deserves a 10/10 for its spiritual value. Everything that occurred in the whole story revolves around that one quote. It's nice to know that this anime was able to manifest the plot's morals and revolve the message of the story on one concept.
5. PERMANENCE: 10/10
"Permanence is shown when a great show endures time and space. Thus, it immortalizes its maker along with the show itself."
Ten over ten. Watching this is a very memorable experience. I like how anime teaches you something valuable and engraves something in your mind and heart forever and Shinsekai yori succeeded in doing so.
While the general audience may not exactly be universal, since it does have some rather profane content, all those who watch it should have a good impression on such a well-made anime.
OVERALL: 9.8/10 or 10/10
So, overall, what's the point? This is the point. Shinsekai yori is a unique anime that is not often seen in the animes we have today. Not only that, it excels in many aspects. Shinsekai yori would serve to be a good basis and a good role model for other animes to follow. This, I believe, is a milestone of the history of anime and I can guarantee, after you watch Shinsekai yori, you won't forget about it.
